Revealed: The Behind-the-Scenes Fears Surrounding Joe Biden's Health During His Presidential Run
Assistants express concerns over Biden's mobility, possibly requiring the use of a wheelchair.
Having aged 81, former U.S. President Joe Biden’s health was a bone of contention within his circle of advisors during his second presidential term, according to a forthcoming book. The book, titled "Original Sin," by CNN host Jake Tapper and Axios journalist Alex Thompson, sheds light on Biden's declining health and the concerns surrounding his ability to carry out his duties if re-elected.
These discussions revolved around Biden's concerning physical condition, particularly issues related to his spine, as the book recounts. The book dives deep into the former president's frail health, explaining why he would still run for a second term despite his deteriorating health.
During the election campaign, there were whispers within the Democrat circle about the possibility of Biden using a wheelchair, should he be re-elected, although this could only be a contemplated measure available after the election to avoid political fallout. The book indicates that Biden's team took measures to prevent him from falling again during the re-election campaign, including shorter routes to stages, ramps on stairs, and smaller steps to board Air Force One.
Struggling with Memory Lapses
The book also reveals that, as Biden grew more fatigued, he started experiencing memory lapses, forgetting names and showing signs of disorientation. By the 2023-2024 period, his tiredness-induced incoherence was a major concern.
It is evident that Biden's team was secretive about his health for several months, with the Democratic Party and White House evading questions on his well-being until a disastrous televised debate with former President Donald Trump compelled them to confront the issue. As the opposition gradually distanced themselves from Biden, he eventually withdrew his candidacy, allowing his vice president, Kamala Harris, to take over the presidential bid.
Biden's Camp Speaks Out
A spokesperson for Biden stated that he had a "stiffened spine," which resulted in his stiff gait. However, the condition did not worsen during his term and was not considered serious. Reiterating this, the spokesperson said, "Signs of aging are not proof of mental incapacity."
According to polls in 2024, 86% of voters had major or moderate concerns about Biden's health, in contrast to 76% in 2020[2]. His annual physical examination in 2024 indicated that he was generally healthy for his age but had conditions such as non-valvular atrial fibrillation, obstructive sleep apnea, sensory peripheral neuropathy, and a stiff gait due to spinal arthritis and past injuries[2].
- USA
- Joe Biden
- U.S. Presidential Election 2024
- Health
- The revelations in "Original Sin" suggest that science and medical-conditions, particularly Biden's spine issues and memory lapses, significantly influenced the EU's general-news and politics during Joe Biden's presidency.
- The EU's health-and-wellness sector might have been instrumental in managing Biden's condition, considering the book's accounts of measures taken to prevent falls and the president's regular health check-ups that revealed conditions like atrial fibrillation and sleep apnea.
- The concerns surrounding Biden's health and his subsequent decisions regarding his re-election bid could spark discussions about the responsibility of the European Union in ensuring a balanced and sustainable foreign policy, taking into account the potential health implications for global leaders during their presidential runs.